Our incoming Rotary Exchange Student, Alice Bellini from Italy had been met a Perth Airport yesterday. Also there to meet Alice were District RYE Coordinator, Ross Grafton, the Woodlands, ourselves with daughter Jenny. Alice arrived in good spirits and after setting up her mobile SIM card, we toured King’s Park, and Fremantle. Later we toured Collie, the High School and the Coal Discovery site.
Alice Bellini is now in Collie and her first host family is John and Janine Bylund. The club will be seeing Alice at most regular meetings.
Also at last nights meeting a budget of approximately $6,500 was proposed, comprising of 4 X RYPEN Sponsorships, 1 X RYLA at least, 2 RYE every two years (however we cannot commit on behalf of the following years Board). The Board reviewed some of the costs for RYE and given other costs of the RYE program arrived at a figure of around $4000. This was without consideration of a RYE River Cruise, as well as RAC Driver Training and Handicamp to be considered for inclusion the Youth budget.
At last night's Board meeting we reviewed our budgets and International are looking at around $14,000 in projects including and annual contributions to Foundation at $100/member; Vietnam Childrens' Home; Polio Plus, and we have already given $2000 to John Kevan's Sri Lanka hospital equipment and training global grant application.
We are gathering ideas for fellowship this year, and one is a trip to Bridgetown to a wine bottling facility where we can bottle our own wine for purchase of course. If anyone has an idea for outings and gathering, please let Mike know.
Apprentice interviews will be starting this coming week and we have a full schedule of 12 interviews. Also planning to have a few Vocational visits, first to Pilatti Bros. Collie's bigest transport company, and later in the year to the Pathology Labs thanks to Rory.
Chapel Project - A copy of the Architects assessment and proposal was circulated at the meeting and members asked to review and comment. It is a draft, so not for public until our committee has reviewed the options and costs implications.
Treasurer - announced Gary and Bob have discussed and Bob has agreed to be the Treasurer for the 2015-2016 year.
Probus Club - had voted to dissolve the club as they are experiencing low membership. Don Fawkes of Probus WA will be advertising to call for members to start a new club.
Membership Fee - the Board voted to keep the annual membership fee at $295. Bob will be issuing invoices shortly.
Collie to Allanson path - funding is available to the Shire for this project and part of the grant was the degree of community interest. The Shire are asking if the Club are interested in constructing the path from the existing path to the west boundy of the cemetary to meet the section going to Allanson. A section of approximately 250 mteres. John Bylund and his team are to meet with the Shire to clarify the scope of our involvement.
The Collie BMX Club gave a presentation on their work to improve the Collie BMX track. Ken Ingram has been the Collie BMX Club president for the past few years and described the journey and efforts to restore the club to its former glory.
The club had been very strong in the past, particularly in the 80's, 90's and 2000's with around 120 members. It then fell into disuse and following a meeting with the Collie Shire about 3 years ago, a committee was formed to start work on rebuilding the club and track facilities. There was a lot of damage, neglect, no power nor water and outstanding debts.
To get the club up to standard meant complying with new rules which saw the removal of the tyres for edging, reforming of track and paths, installation of berms and slopes to prevent injury to riders. With the help of volunteers and local businesses and families, the club has progressed to its second State BMX Association compliance inspection. There are 18 items to address and the club is organising a few more busy bees to clear these items.
One major part is the canteen and it in an unserviceable state due to termite damage to 3 walls and a ceiling. It is also one of the club means of income on competition nights catering for cold and hot snack and meals. It is this part the Collie BMX would like Rotary to help with the repairs.
The club's vision is to see the track become a major drawcard for BMX competition in at least the south west of WA. It also wanting to ensure a family friendly atmosphere and be accessible for riders with disabilities and kids who want to have a go but don't have the equipment. The club intends to have some bikes, helmets and safety gear to borrow for these cases.
The Collie BMX has a Facebook page and has attracted a lot of interest from people around the state waiting for the opportunity to come to Collie to compete.
John Vlasich led a vote of thanks to Ken Ingram and Rachael Williams for their presentation as well as Richard Lister for his attendance.
Doug had a good idea. Turn the tables 90 degrees so everyone could see the presentation screen.
The first newsletter on the next District Conference in Bunbury from DG Melodie was circulated.
Information was circulated on the Donate Life Week from 2 August 2015 to 9 August 2015.
Damien as acting Fines Master spared no one. Alice had trouble with the increasing weight of the fines box. He a good joke as well, about a farmer and signs.
Good to see Rory O'Connor back again, and hope to see him again.
Thanks to Harry for bringing the Collie BMX Club to our attention with their presentation on the great work they have been doing to get the Club and Track back up to it former glory.
Libby is the Speaker next week on the VSE Team experiences in Turkey.
Tony Ambrose is the following weeks speaker. Why has he asked we bring our reading glasses? That's breeding glasses for one AG's hearing.
Jim enlightened the club on the case of the litterbug and the motorist with the bull whip. Bob thought it such a good idea to sort out these recalcitrants, he bought a bullwhip to practice and that explains the large welt on his head.
Barbara was signing-up Learning Group volunteers to the next semester for the Smith Family. Wilson Park and the High School have learning Groups this year.
Why didn't ClubRunner and Keith's attendance percentage match? We had Mark Sanders as a Leave of Absence and a Make-up for the same date. CR's priority is the LoA. All fixed now.
President Neil's question of the week met with a lot of blank looks even though he'd hinted the answer. Hoping for a better response next week.
Questions of the Week for next week
1. Name the Club's Foundation Director; Membership Director; Vocational Director; Community Director; International Director; Youth Director;
2. What other Club Office does President-Elect Terry hold?
3. Name the Club's 2015 Treasurer?
REMINDERS
Polio Plus Dinner at the Boettcher's place - Tuesdays 6:30pm 'till 9:00pm - $5 to $20 towards the Pink Polio Pig, let Emma or Martin know
Suggestions for the Chapel project to President Neil
